Chevy Spark EV To Start At $27,495

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Chevrolet has just announced that the 2014 Chevy Spark EV will carry an MSRP of $27,495, or as low as $19,995 after the full federal tax credit that ranges from $0 to $7,500, including an $810 destination freight charge.

Spark EV buyers in California may also be eligible for other state and local tax credits and incentives that range from $0 to $2,500. In particular, the $2,500 tax incentive reduces the price even further to $17,495. Those lucky California owners are also eligible for High-Occupancy Vehicle access.

Spark EV Lease

Chevy also announced a $199 per month, 36-month low mileage lease on the Spark EV 1LT with $999 due at signing, which includes security deposit (tax, title, license dealer fees extra).

*Lease example based on survey. Each dealer sets its own price. Your payments may vary. Payments are for a 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV with an MSRP of $ $27,495. 36 monthly payments total $7159.68. Option to purchase at lease end for an amount to be determined at lease signing. Ally must approve lease. Take delivery by 07/01/2013. Mileage charge of $.25/mile over 12,000 miles. Lessee pays for excess wear. Payments may be higher in some states. Not available with some other offers. Residency restrictions apply.

Capability, Economy, Savings

The Spark EV is scheduled to arrive at select Chevrolet dealers in California and Oregon beginning in the middle of June 2013. The car features an EPA estimated electric range of 82 miles when fully charged, and an EPA-estimated combined city/highway 119 MPGe fuel economy equivalent.

According to EPA assessments provided by Chevrolet, the Spark EV can save drivers about $150 a month compared to the average new gas-powered vehicle. Those estimates are based on 23 MPG highway for an average vehicle, and $0.12 per kW-hrs electricity cost.

The Spark EV’s 21 kWh lithium-ion battery pack carries a limited warranty protection of eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The vehicle will be the first on the market to offer the recently approved SAE combo charger for DC Fast Charging. Scheduled to be available shortly after launch, the SAE combo charger will enable Spark EV owners to recharge up to 80 percent of the car’s capacity in roughly 20 minutes at certain DC Fast Charging stations when they become available. And unlike competitors’ offerings, the Spark EV’s battery system is capable of handling multiple compatible DC Fast Charges daily. The Spark EV will also be capable of being charged in less than seven hours using a dedicated 240V charge; a 120V charge cord comes standard.

Spark EV owners will be able to manage and monitor charging remotely using the OnStar RemoteLink smart phone application, which is provided standard for three years.

I haven’t seen the EV version in person yet, but the gasoline version has some issues that would deter me. The main one is that the rear seats don’t fold, so there is very little cargo room. It’s a car designed for parents with one or two toddlers. It’s also not really that practical to use on a trip outside of the city. Range is the issue, but also the lack of cargo space for baggage. If one could take out the rear seats for a flat cargo area, and if one could upgrade the tires, brakes, and suspension, this car could be both fun and practical. (Put in a better armrest too, or just leave it out. It’s pathetic.)

I sat in the rear seat of a 2013 gas Spark, and I am six feet tall and 203 pounds. I sat well and had no problems with entry and exit. Maybe you are bigger? Then the Spark (gas or EV) is not for you, but it is the perfect EV for me!

I should add that I would never put precious cargo (kids) in the rear seats of a car like this. (They would have been killed in a rear end crash that occurred close to my home in suburbia.). So GM, please do make the rear more adaptable for lifeless cargo.

Why lifeless cargo? All of the city cars (except the Smart) have seats for two live passengers, and they are sold in the thousands all over the world. The Spark (gas and EV) is the largest and safest of these city cars.